Reader letter: Poppy Appeal total has reached over £750,000

The 2014 Poppy Appeal total for Derbyshire has reached over £750,000 surpassing the 2013 total by ten per cent with eight months until the appeal year end in September.

The Poppy Appeal has received a boost from the publicity surrounding the centenary of the start of the First World War, not just in terms of donations but also from individuals wishing to volunteer to help with the collections and more businesses entering into fundraising partnerships.

Schools have also played a big part in making the appeal such a success, with many holding special Remembrance events and sixth form students giving up part of their half-term holidays to collect at supermarkets.

I would like to thank everyone involved with the appeal; collectors, counters, organisers, individual fundraisers and everyone who gave a donation for a poppy.

This year the commemoration of the First World War continues, with the anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign on April 25.

It is also the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and The Royal British Legion would love schools, businesses, community groups and individuals to organise a fundraising event for the Poppy Appeal around the VE Day anniversary on May 8. Whether it is a coffee morning, Poppy Picnic, fun day or a 1940s-themed event, it is a chance to have some fun and raise money so that The Royal British Legion can continue to support all those who serve. Though we are remembering past conflicts, the welfare work of The Royal British Legion, which is funded solely by donations, is firmly focused on the future of the living and supports those who are currently serving in the armed forces, ex-servicemen and women and their families.

If anyone would like to find out more about organising a fundraising event or helping with the Poppy Appeal as a volunteer, please contact Christine Selden, Community Fundraiser, on 07973 750816 or email cselden@britishlegion.org.uk.